Liverpool still have a long list of absentees – but they have been buoyed by one key player returning to training this week.
Liverpool continue their Europa League journey this week with a last-16 first leg away trip to Sparta Prague as the quadruple hunt rolls on.
The Reds are still hampered by a long injury list, with another player set to be added to the list of absentees. As many as 11 players could miss the trip to Czechia, meaning a number of youngsters may be called upon once again.
However, duo Trey Nyoni and Amara Nallo have not been included in the travelling contingent, with both ineligible for selection due to joining from Leicester and West Ham over the summer. Academy graduates Bobby Clark, Kaide Gordon, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas and Fabian Mrozek all make the cut. And the Liverpool Echo has taken a look at the latest from the Reds’ treatment room.
Mohamed Salah
Speaking on Wednesday night, Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool are having to remain cautious with Mohamed Salah’s hamstring injury as he weighs up a first start since New Year’s Day for his top scorer tonight. The forward has been included in the Liverpool squad for tonight’s game.
Jayden Danns
The rising academy star was absent from training due to concussion. He collided with Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels on Saturday and is absent from the squad list that has travelled to Prague.
Expected return date: Man City (H) – March 10.
Alisson Becker
Alisson’s agent has come to rubbish talk about an Anfield exit for his client, but it is expected that the goalkeeper will only play a handful of games before the summer. His hamstring injury has been branded as serious and has already gone a full month on the sidelines. Late April could be the next time fans see him in goal.
Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota sustained a serious knee setback against Brentford on February 17 – and it is unclear when Liverpool are expecting him back.
The Portugal international had to exit the pitch on a stretcher and later tests showed he had suffered an MCL injury. He is unlikely to return before the international break, which takes place towards the end of this month.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is nearing a month on the injury table as he continues to battle his persistent knee problem.
He has been absent since being substituted at half-time against Burnley on February 10, meaning he, like many others, missed the Carabao Cup final. He was seen wearing a leg brace during celebrations on the Wembley pitch and is not expected to return until after the March international break either.
Expected return date: Late March/early April.
Curtis Jones
Jones was seen at Liverpool’s training complex this week not wearing his protective boot brace, although he was still carrying it in hand. He is not likely to return until after internationals at the earliest.
Expected return date: Late March/early April.
Ryan Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch was not seen with his protective boot at all on Wednesday but is not expected back in time for Thursday. No timeframe has been given for his comeback following his early exit from the Carabao Cup final.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara has played just five minutes all season due to a persistent hamstring setback, featuring only in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.
The Spaniard had been sidelined for nine months through injury before the game against the Gunners. His return date is unknown, and if he does not play again this season, he might have already kicked his last ball for Liverpool, with his contract expiring in June.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Joel Matip
Joel Matip suffered an ACL injury in the 4-3 win over Fulham on December 3 and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Stefan Bajcetic
The midfielder has been out of action since September but is thought to be nearing a return to action and could possibly be back within the next month.
Expected return date: April.
Ben Doak
Ben Doak is currently recovering from a knee injury he sustained while playing for the Under-21s in December.
Expected return date: Unknown.
